The Top 11 Places to Volunteer Abroad This Summer

Summer has officially begun! Are you in search of an epic experience this summer while you’re home from college or just looking to get out of your home town? Why not volunteer abroad this summer?

Volunteering abroad is a great way to travel and grants you the opportunity to do some good while doing so. There are so many programs and places to choose from, so we’ve done some of the hard work for you. Take a look at these 10 awesome places, in no particular order, to volunteer abroad this summer.

Become a mentor at project High Five for underserved kids and young people. You’ll engage in community activities such as creative workshops, cooking, movie nights, sports and provide healthy, encouraging support.

4. Thailand

Chiang Mai is a beautiful city in the North of Thailand, where lots of underprivileged Thais come to learn English and get jobs. Work with local orphanages and schools, play games with the kids and teach an occasional English lesson and explore beautiful Chiang Mai in your free time.

Work With Cats & Dogs on Koh Lanta:

Koh Lanta is island paradise in the south of Thailand, but is overrun with stray cats and dogs. Be part of the solution on the island of Koh Lanta, Thailand where dogs and cats suffer from lack of medical care and sterilization.

Empower and Encourage Underprivileged Burmese Women

Thailand is home to thousands of Burmese refugees, who are displaced and don’t get much education or guidance. Help provide educational and professional opportunities to women from marginalized communities in Burma.

5. South Africa

Stop little kids from getting into trouble by teaching them how to surf in their free time instead, off the coast of beautiful Cape Town, South Africa. You don’t have to be a surf pro to teach, just have a love for kids and be in decent physical shape.

Cage dive with Great White sharks while learning about the endangered species, observing up close and conducting research. Spend most of your time on a boat, watching Great Whites and assisting on cage dives.

6. Argentina

In Argentina, most kids go to school for a half day and then have the rest of the day free. This contributes to a lot of petty crime and hanging out on the streets. Volunteer to play sports with them after school and help to keep them in shape and out of trouble.

Help prevent domestic violence, promote women’s health and offer support to female victims of abuse and domestic abuse. Helping in the kitchen, making diapers and maintaining the library are some other basic tasks you’ll be expected to help with.

Raise awareness about the environmental, social and economic dangers of mega mining, monoculture, large scale hydroelectric dams and the like by conducting research and utilizing natural resources sustainably.

7. Costa Rica

Assist in the protection of endangered Jaguars by conducting surveys, setting up remote cameras and gathering data for use in a long term conservation effort along Central America’s Caribbean coast. Develop new skills and an in-depth understanding of the rainforest and its ecosystem on this unique tropical adventure.

Renovate buildings, landscape public spaces, paint classrooms and improve eco-tourism in a beautiful region of Costa Rica, helping the community to flourish and thrive. All while embracing their laid back, “pura vida” lifestyle.

Every year, endangered sea turtle species come ashore to lay their eggs from March to October. Poachers steal the eggs and kill the turtles to sell their meat on the black market. Join ASTOP in protecting the turtles from poachers and helping them return safely to their home in the sea.

8. Iceland

Get involved with local organizations that provide support to people addicted to drugs and alcohol and help them get back on their feet and start a new life. Work with people from different cultures and be confident that you’re making a difference in someone’s life.

Conduct research, distribute information and participate in a fun environment while informing tourists that whenever they taste or try whale meat, they encourage the hunting of whales. Whales are sentient, intelligent creatures that should not be hunted, help spread awareness through this project with SEEDS.

Iceland’s Eastern Volcanic Zone has become more active in recent years. During it’s last eruption in 1961, the area was largely unpopulated but has become home to a growing tourist industry and a major power plant since. Study seismic activity to help predict the next eruption.

9. Turkey

Practice English with an international group of youngsters at a summer camp in Turkey. Play instruments, organize events, teach games, practice sports and hang out with an energetic group of kids outdoors at a great facility.

Help prepare for, run and perform in GENCTUR’s Circus and Street Art Festival. All skills are welcome but people who can juggle, stilt walk, clown, tight rope walk, blow fire, mime and acrobat will be preferred. A great opportunity to see a circus production from the inside, no matter your skill set.

Since the Syrian crisis began, Turkey has become home to almost 1.9 million Syrian refugees who need shelter, food, clothing and medical supplies. There are endless ways to help here including administration, delivery services, medical help, providing support for women and children, building shelters, etc.

10. South Korea

Despite it’s economic rise and global position, there are still many people in South Korea who need help. Get involved on a build site there and make a difference in the local community bybuilding homes, schools and community centers.

Improve the lives of abandoned children by teaching them English, playing games and generally spending time with them. Be sure you can make at least a weekly commitment, as the children will surely get attached and you’ll form a long lasting bond.

Become a language tutor or coach to refugees from North Korea who have been displaced from their homes. Help improve their language skills in person or via Skype, as well as their quality of life and ability to contribute to the English speaking society.